Does it matter which parent, if filing separately, claims dependent?

[xmasbaby0]

Why are you filing separately?  it is usually the worst way to file.

[SweetieJean]

Do you live apart?  If so,, with whom did the child live in 2017?

[koliver6969]

We are not married.

[koliver6969]

We live together but are not married

[koliver6969]

Child lives with us

[macuser_22 · Accepted solution]

If not married then you must each file as single.

You can decide who claims the child and all the benefits - they cannot be split.

Usually (but not always) the best overall tax vs. refund would be for the parent with the higher income to claim the child. Because of the graduated EIC credit, sometimes the lower income parent has an advantage.

The only way to know for sure is to prepare dummy test returns both ways for both parents and choose the way with the best overall result.

[SweetieJean]

The one who claims the child might be able to file as Head of Household. Uou must meet the following requirements:

Pay for more than half of the household expenses;
Be considered unmarried for the tax year; and
You must have a qualifying child or dependent.

[macuser_22]

Right - HOH can also be a factor.  That would give the parent claiming HOH an additional $3,000 deduction.